[Satnews] Orbital ATK, Inc. (NYSE: OA) contributed integrated hardware to Friday’s successful launch of the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket and the GPS Block IIF satellite payload from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. The satellite is the twelfth and final GPS IIF satellite in the constellation.

The dozen Block IIF GPS satellites replace older, first-generation GPS satellites and provide improved accuracy, signal strength and quality to America’s warfighters, allies and civilian users worldwide. Boeing (NYSE: BA) designed and built the GPS IIF satellites for the US Air Force.

Steve Earl, Vice President and General Manager of Orbital ATK’s Aerospace Structures Division

“It is exciting to see another Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) launch in which Orbital ATK’s structures and components contributed to the combined success of both the launch vehicle and satellite,” said Steve Earl, Vice President and General Manager of Orbital ATK’s Aerospace Structures Division. “Orbital ATK is honored to have supported both the U.S. Air Force and ULA throughout the completion of our next generation GPS constellation.”

For the ULA Atlas V rocket, Orbital ATK produced the 10-foot diameter composite heat shield, which provides higher performance with lower weight, and essential protection for the first stage of the launch vehicle from engine exhaust temperatures in excess of 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The assembly was fabricated using advanced fiber placement manufacturing techniques at Orbital ATK's Iuka, Mississippi, facility. This marked the 60th ULA Atlas V launch using Orbital ATK-built composite structures.

This flight marked the 24th successful flight of the Orbital ATK retro motors. Eight of these solid motors provided thrust for separation of the spent first stage. The ULA Atlas V retrorocket is built at Orbital ATK's Elkton, Maryland, facility.

Orbital ATK’s Commerce, California, facility had responsibility for the ullage tank assembly, including the blankets, heaters, thermistors and pressurant lines. This tank is a spherical vessel constructed of titanium.